About This Lesson
Subjects
- Science
- Engineering
- Math
Time
- 60-90 minutes
Skills
- Teamwork
- Structural Engineering
- Problem-solving
- Construction
Learning Objective/Goal:
- Understand the basic principles of bridge design and construction.
- Understand how weight distribution is important to structural integrity
- Evaluate the design and performance of their boats.
- Evaluate the strength, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal of other bridges.
Materials Needed:
- Spaghetti - 1 box for 2-4 people or 1 box per team
- Weights for testing (e.g., pennies, marbles)
- Hot glue guns and glue sticks (shared among teams)
Background
- Bridges are crucial structures that allow people and vehicles to cross obstacles like rivers and valleys. Engineers use different designs to balance strength, efficiency, and aesthetics, ensuring bridges are safe and functional. This lesson gives students an introduction to all 3 using a common item found in many kitchens.
Activity
Introduction:
- Introduce bridges, structure types, and common components (with pictures)
- Connect this with civil engineers in the real world and its importance.
- Give an overview of the activity for the day/session, materials, and challenges/category they will be evaluated on
- Optional: demonstrate how the bridges will be tested with a basic bridge model where weights are added until the bridge breaks
Construction:
- For a set time, let students build, glue, and make their bridges
- Make sure students are safe with hot glue (an adult can still monitor or glue it for them if needed)
- Make sure the bridges can fit or hang weights to test later on
Testing:
- Weigh each bridge and take note of its weight (for the most efficient bridge)
- Between two surfaces (two tables or two books can be placed together), place all the bridges on display.
- Gradually add weights in small increments until the bridge breaks
- Count the weights that fell to the floor to determine how much it could hold
- Repeat this with all bridges to see which one can hold the most
Other competitions
- Either the teacher can decide or the students can vote on which bridge is most aesthetically pleasing
- Calculate the strength-to-weight ratio to determine the most efficient one
Extra
Tips for Students:
- Group and glue the spaghetti together to provide more strength
- Think about areas of weakness that may need reinforcing
- Think about how the weight will be distributed as the teacher applies it
Tips for Teachers:
- Have example designs of bridges or pictures for students to look at
- only open one spaghetti box at a time and distribute as needed between students
- Take the necessary precautions when using hot glue guns
Extensions:
- Challenge students to redesign their bridges using more constraints.
- Integrate a math lesson by having students calculate the total cost of materials used in their bridge construction
References
